Method and apparatus for ultraviolet treatment of plants

Abstract

Ultraviolet energy in the germicidal band is directed towards plants, particularly the grape vines on the vineyard trellis, providing a lethal exposure (irradiation) for the purpose of eradicating microorganisms, and stimulating host plant defense mechamisms.

I claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus for treating a living leafy plant, said apparatus comprising: ultraviolet light source means for producing Ultraviolet radiation in the germicidal band;   light directing means for directing said ultraviolet radiation onto said plant;   transport means for producing relative motion between said light directing means and said plant; and   control means for controlling the dosage of said radiation received by said plant as a function of the speed of said relative movement between said light directing means and said plant; and of the intensity of said radiation, to thereby expose said plant to an effective concentration of said ultraviolet exposure.   
     
     
       2. The invention defined by claim 1 in which said ultraviolet radiation is in said germicidal band within the wavelength range of 240 to 280 nanometers. 
     
     
       3. The invention according to claim 1 in which said transport means coprises a land vehicle carrying said light source means for movement past a plant growing in the earth. 
     
     
       4. The invention defined by claim 3 including two of said light source and directing means adapted to expose and irradiate respective opposite sides of said plant as said vehicle moves past said plant. 
     
     
       5. The invention defined by claim 3 including agitating means for agitating the leaves of said plant to increase the leaf area exposed to said radiation. 
     
     
       6. The invention defined by claim 5 in which said agitating means comprises blower means for directing pressurized air against said plant. 
     
     
       7. The method according to claim 5 including the step of agitating the leaves of said plant to increase the leaf area exposed to said radiation. 
     
     
       8. The invention defined by claim 3 including height adjustment means for positioning said light source and directing means according to the height of the plant. 
     
     
       9. The invention of claim 1 in which said control means includes a radiation monitor for detecting radiation onto said plant. 
     
     
       10. The invention defined by claim 1 in which said dosage is controlled by varying the intensity of said radiation. 
     
     
       11. The method of treating leafy plants with ultraviolet radiation, said method comprising the steps of : providing a source of ultraviolet radiation within the germicidal band;   directing said radiation onto said plant;   effecting relative movement between said plant and said radiation directed thereon; and   controlling the dosage of said radiation received by said plant as a function of the speed of said relative movement and of the intensity of said radiation to expose said plant to a predetermined concentration of said radiation.   
     
     
       12. The method according to claim 11 in which said radiation is in said germicidal band and is within the wavelength range of 240 to 280 nanometers.